Medical
Marijuana Disposal – Lori Dodson from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission described
current protocols for the disposal of medical marijuana. A lengthy discussion
followed regarding the pros and cons of disposal
as yard waste rather than medical waste. See Compilation of Medical Cannabis
Laws for more details.

Waste
Characterization Study - Kitty McIlroy shared key findings from the most
recent Maryland Statewide Waste Characterization Study conducted by the Northeast
Maryland Waste Disposal Authority on behalf MDE. Notably, food Waste was found
to be the most prevalent material at almost 18 percent of the stream and several
grades of recyclable fiber also made the top 10 list. Overall, 68.7 percent of
the waste stream is able to be diverted under curbside, other non-curbside and
organics (compostables/mulchables) recycling programs. See 2016 Waste Characterization
Study for the full report.

Waste
Reduction and Resource Recovery Plan for Maryland – MDE staffers,
Julia Mooney & Kayley Laleker walked us through the details of Gov. Hogan’s
Executive Order EO
01.01.2017.13 which rescinded Gov. O’Malley’s Executive order EO 01.01.2015.01. The new order
eliminated many of the specific targets specified in the 2015 order and called
for a broad re-assessment of the overall goals, metrics and actions required to
minimize waste and maximize resource recovery in the state along with a greater
emphasis on partnerships and voluntary standards. Dave Mrgich led a conversation
around the current MRA requirements and the extent to which those requirements
produce a meaningful environmental impact at an economically feasible cost. Issues
discussed included the difficulty tracking materials through the waste stream,
the relative value of recycled materials, the complexity and cost of
measurement (both in dollars and efficiency) and the impact of measurement on
behavior. A follow-up meeting will be held to continue the evaluation later this
year.